What is a car breathalyzer?

With many states looking to strengthen their drunk driving laws, the use of car breathalyzers, or ignition interlock devices, has risen. With the proven ability to prevent inebriated people from driving, they are invaluable in the effort to keep roadways safe.

Rolling retest

To ensure that once the car is started the driver doesn’t then start drinking, many states require a rolling retest to be administered. The process for a rolling retest is the same as the starter test, the only difference being that the car has already been started. To take a rolling retest simply pull over to the side of the road - most breathalyzers give you a few minutes to accomplish this (Intoxalock allows 6 minutes) - and use car breathalyzer as directed.

How to use a car breathalyzer

Each ignition interlock provider has different requirements for use; however, devices that utilize the “blow-breathe-blow” pattern are the easiest.

A blow-breathe-blow device, such as an Intoxalock device, requires the tester to blow into the device for three seconds, then inhale for another three seconds and blow into the device again for a final three seconds.

Devices that don’t use this pattern often require that you hum while blowing, which can be particularly challenging and cause failed tests to occur.

Calibrating your ignition interlock device

Depending on the state you received your offense in, you will be required to get your car breathalyzer calibrated every 30-90 days. A calibration requires going to one of your providers service centers and having the technicians check to make sure that your device is working correctly. Depending on your provider this process can take anywhere from 5 minutes to hours.